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The Newsletter of the Minnesota MG T Register
October 2010 Vol. 31, Issue 9
TattlerThe
The Minnesota MG T Registerwww.mnmgtr.org
OfficersChair: ! Mark Honnigford ! 612-869-7720 ! [email protected]:! Jenée Honnigford! 612-869-7720! [email protected]:! Nancy Carlson! 507-403-9047! [email protected]: ! Jim Pennoyer! 763-536-5472! [email protected] Editor! Wayne Kivell! 507-645-4691! [email protected]:! Tom Maine! 952-881-3737! [email protected] Council:! Keith Galberth! 952-898-6914 ! [email protected] Master:! Steve Blomberg! 612-869-8264! [email protected] Past Chair:! Steve Blomberg! 612-869-8264! [email protected]
PublicationThe Tattler is published ten times each year from February through November. All material to be included in the next publication should be sent to the Editor
at the following address by the 20th day of the previous month:
The TattlerWayne Kivell, Editor
1003 Maple StNorthfield MN 55057
or by email to: [email protected]
Mission Statement(from our charter, adopted 15 February 1975)
“To bring together those who have a common interest in the restoration and preservation of the ‘T’ series and earlier vintage MGs, and in so doing, further the spirit of the vintage MG,
partake in good fellowship, and develop greater interests in the Gathering Of the Faithful.”
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Auto StorageIntroducing our second location!
We have just expanded our room and now offer British Car Storage at our new location North of Forest Lake between Wyoming, MN and East Bethel. We will remain in the shop most are familiar with but in order to serve our clients better, we have decided to offer the expanded facilities. Save yourself a costly tow in spring and store your car with BMC this winter and
we will start your car for itʼs spring awakening ready it for your pickup.Whether you require winter maintenance and need your car in an accessible location or simply
need storage, contact Brian for reservations and further information.
BMC British Automobile, LLCBrian Mc Cullough, Proprietor
6810 225th Ave NEStacy, Minnesota, U.S.A. 55079-4200
Ring: 651.400.0145
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In Memoriam Phyllis Galberth
Phyllis A. Galberth passed away on September 20 after suffering a massive stroke three days earlier. She was taken from her family and friends at the age of 61. Besides being active in the Minnesota MGT Register, serving as club chair in 2005-2006, she had been chairperson of the InterMarque Council, and was currently editor of the InterMarque Monthly Newsletter.
Phyllis will be missed by husband, Keith, and their sons, Brian and Philip, and daughter, Stephanie, and also by all the friends of the Vintage Foreign Car Clubs of Minnesota. She will be remembered by her hugs and her smiles.
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PERSPECTIVE
Standard Equipment
I’ll bet your daily driver has an automatic transmission, power steering, power brakes, power windows, a sound system better then the one in your home and it stops, turns and accelerates better than anything you could buy 25 years ago. Not only that it runs with the reliability of a Frigidaire. The cars we buy today have reached a level of perfection that could only be imagined when our MGs were built. And it’s not just us that have these amazing vehicles, almost every car on the road provides its driver and passengers with the silence, security and durability we have come to expect from these twenty first century marvels. It’s hard to believe that cars can get any better.
So how come every time I take one of the MGs out for a drive I get a chorus of “cool car, awesome car, great ride, and wanna trade”? I really don’t think these people have a clue what they would be in for if I took them up on their offer to trade cars. What they would not get is an automatic transmission, power steering, power brakes, power windows and a sound system better then the one in their home. Nor would they get a car that would stop, turn and accelerates better than the car they just traded. Would they be disappointed with their decision to make the deal? Maybe after a while, but not at first. Because what they would get is style, smiles and that chorus from the crowd that I referred to earlier. They would get an authentic car, a real car seasoned by its age and place in history. After driving a few miles they would realize that all the power stuff and conditioned air they gave up really isn’t necessary to the enjoyment of driving a “fun” car that just flat out makes you feel good every time you take the wheel.
Sometimes standard features cannot be bolted on, sometimes they are part of the basic nature of the car. Such is the essence of our MGs.
All is Not Fair
At our Hare and Hounds Rally I learned if the navigator and driver did everything correctly they came in first. If they made lots of mistakes, they would still at least finish.
Our dear friend Phyllis was first in what she did for her car clubs. She loved people, had endless energy and lots of great ideas. Phyllis was a doer and a go-getter. But she didn’t get to finish. Not fair!
At our events, I have a habit of hugging the gals. The last time I hugged Phyllis was at the Scoreboard Natter. She was a great hugger.
We’ll miss her.
Mark Honnigford
Until next time,Steve Blomberg
P. S. I just received word of the sudden passing of Phyllis Galberth and I do not currently have the words to express the loss to the club and me personally. Maybe next month I will be able to gather some thoughts worthy of this wonderful woman. But for now all of our best thoughts and prayers must be extended to Keith and the family. May God bless her memory among us.
IN THE DRIVER’S SEAT
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FROM THE PASSENGER SEAT
ProofingI confess, I never read the Tattler when it arrives in the mail. Actually mine doesn’t come by mail--I just pick them up at the printer and send everyone else’s out. By that time I have read everything in it several times over. All text is also sent to Nancy Carlson, who for several years now has been a super proof-reader, catching many things that I miss because, as you well know, the mind sees what it wants to see rather than what is there.
Steve Blomberg came down in early September to help me set up a new web site and mentioned the duplication of photos in the September Tattler. I said “what?” I pulled a Tattler out of the file and sure enough, one photo appeared three times, and another twice. So we looked at the original Pages file (the program I work with). No problem; all the photos were correct. Then we checked the pdf file that I made from the Pages file and then sent to the printer. That file showed the photo duplication. So just how did that happen?
The only thing that I can figure is that, when putting a series of photos of an event in the newsletter, I usually put one in, crop it, size it, then duplicate it several times. Then I drop new photos into the duplications and do not have to crop and resize each of them separately. Saves a lot of time. But somehow, in making a pdf of the original document, the dropped-in photos got lost. Well, actually not nearly all of them, just several.
While Steve was there, we tried making several more pdfs of the original file, and all photos transferred perfectly each time. So go figure.
Bottom line is, I now know I must also do a thorough photo-proof of the pdf before sending it to the printer. So no, I wasn’t drinking when I put the September Tattler together. But I sure did after I found out about the problem!
What’s Your TC Worth?As I was putting together this issue of the Tattler, I wandered over the eBay motors site. There was a very nice TC from Arizona for sale, seemingly of concours calibre, and it had a supercharger (or should I say BUT it had a supercharger).
The bidding had started seven days previously and was about to end in five hours. That would be about 3:00 a.m. the next morning, so I vowed to check it the next day.
Bidding had started at $500, went by $1000 increments to $5000, then jumped to over $10K, to near $15K, and then kept creeping into and through the teens and 20s. A total of 16 bidders put in 34 bids. The winning bid of $32,000 was entered with 22 seconds left in the sale. It was that person’s first bid on the car. The previous bid of $31,800 was put in 50 minutes before the end of the sale, so obviously the winner was sitting at the computer with bid entered before finally pushing the “confirm” button in the nick of time.
I’ve used the same “last second” technique for things purchased on eBay, but on items without all the zeros on the bid. By doing so, you don’t give the competition a chance to respond. My record is winning an item with 2 seconds left. On the other hand, I’ve lost some things because I didn’t quite make it in time.
Farewell to PhyllisAccording to the membership records, the Galberths have been members of our club since 2001. They have been active club members the entire time. Phyllis served a two-year stint as club chair, and was web editor and in charge of regalia. Phyllis and Keith have hosted garage crawls and tech sessions and both have been active in the InterMarque council.
It’s difficult to understand why that smiling face was taken away from us so suddenly. Our sincere condolences go out to Keith and their children. May the memory of Phyllis Galberth continue to inspire our club.
Wayne Kivell, Editor
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Around the World in 80 Years!The MG Car Club will be staging the largest MG event ever to celebrate our 80th birthday.MG80! - A truly worldwide celebration of the founding of the MG Car Club! • 16 - 17 October 2010
MG80 is now beginning to gather serious momentum! On October 16 & 17 the worldwide MG family will come together to celebrate the marque of friendship. We want YOU to be involved with this prestigious event and raise a glass with us as we toast 80 glorious years.
Confirmed Clubs to date:Europe: MG Car Club Caledonian Centre, MG Car Club South East Centre, MG Car Club Tyne Tees Centre, MG Car Club Lincolnshire Centre, MG Car Club Abingdon Works Centre, MG Car Club Yorkshire Centre, MG Car Club Luxembourg, MG Car Club Denmark, MG Car Club Danish Centre, MG Car Club MG Trophy Championship, MG Car Club Antwerp
Canada: MG Car Club Toronto, MG Car Club Ottawa
America: MG Club of St Louis, Tidewater MG Classic - Virginia, MGs of Baltimore, MG Car Club Houston, South Eastern MG T Register, MG Car Club Central Jersey Centre, North American MGB Register, Illinois Flat Land British Car Club
Australia: MG Car Club South Australia, MG Car Club Queensland, MG Car Club Sydney, MG Car Club Canberra, MG Car Club Wagga Wagga, MG Car Club Gold Coast, MG Car Club Tasmania
South Africa: MG Car Club South Cape Centre, MG Car Club Northern Centre
New Zealand: MG Car Club Auckland, MG Car Club Otago, MG Car Club Wellington, MG Car Club Canterbury
Asia: MG Car Club Hong Kong, Kobe MG Car Club (Japan)
South America: Argentina
The MG Car Club will be staging the largest MG event ever to celebrate our 80th birthday. The first meeting of the club was on 12 October 1930 at the Roebuck Inn, Stevenage on the A1 Great North Road.
The plan is for the celebratory event to start in New Zealand early in the morning and travel westwards around the globe, passing through Kimber House, Abingdon, UK at noon and finishing in Alaska late that evening.
Inviting the MG family!The MG Car Club is inviting ALL overseas MG clubs to join in with this exciting worldwide event. We would like each club to stage a local event of their choosing which is both organized and funded by them, and which involves as many members as possible.We want the clubs to capture the spirit of their event on photo or video, which will be then upload to the Internet and displayed on a time line showing the progress of the events throughout the day. Innovative!This has the potential to be an innovative celebration of our 80 years, and we think that the participation of clubs throughout the world will foster a closer relationship within the extended MG family. The PR that could be generated for all the clubs and MG as a whole could be enormous. Our intention will be to generate local, national and international interest. Whether your club organizes a road-run, pride of ownership, barbeque, auto-test or a hill climb we want everyone to have a fantastic time. The great thing about MG80 is you decide what event to organize!
Technology!Our intention is to use resources already present on the internet. We will use a geographical timeline on Google Maps. Points on this line will show the progress of events and will be linked to photos and videos uploaded by clubs to well known media hosting sites such as YouTube, flickr and Panaramio. Instructions on how to contribute to the map will show the progress of events and will be given, as well as information on how to incorporate the results into other media such as club websites and google earth.
Sign up for the event here: http://www.kimberstores.co.uk/join-mg-80-p-333.html
Thanks, The MG80 Team!
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Hare & Hounds Rally The last Hare & Hounds rally sponsored by the Minnesota MG T Register took place 21 years ago in 1989. So why did we resurrect this event after such a long time? The answer, in a nutshell, we found the trophy and it’s such a magnificent trophy that we didn’t want it to go to waste. So with that in mind the route markers were placed along side the road by 10 a.m. and by 11:00 a total of eleven cars each with a driver and navigator gathered at Thea Trudgeon’s home in Richfield on Saturday Sept. 18th. The morning began a little chilly with temps in the mid fifties and light rain but by rally time the sun had come out and the temps rose into the low sixties. Thea treated the rallyers with some very welcome coffee and baked goods. After a review of the rules and basic guidelines the first car off at 11:20 was Bob and Sheila Figenskau in the MGA. The remaining cars left the starting gate at four minute intervals with Mark and Jenée Honnigford in the last car departing at exactly noon.
The route wound through Richfield and Edina for a total length of 19.6 miles and if all of the 42 markers were followed correctly and the speed limit was observed the course could be completed in 57 minutes. The end point was Tim and Nancy Crain's home in Edina where all participants relaxed for lunch and much
chatter about the run. The unanimous opinion was that the event was one of the best of the season. Thanks to Tim and Nancy Crain and Steve and Kim Blomberg for organizing a well planned event. The consensus was that it will not be 21 years before the next Hare & Hounds Rally.
Oh, and the winners? The team of Steve and JoAnn Brown in their 1955 TF. Good job, Steve and JoAnn, take good care of that trophy until next year when you will have to defend it. Thanks to all who attended this event and made it a rousing success.
1. Do not walk behind me, for I may not lead. Do not walk ahead of me, for I may not follow. Do not walk beside me either. Just pretty much leave me alone.2. The journey of a thousand miles begins with a broken fan belt and leaky tire.3. It's always darkest before dawn. So if you're going to steal your neighbor's newspaper, that's the time to do it.4. Don't be irreplaceable. If you can't be replaced, you can't be promoted.
5. Always remember that you're unique. Just like everyone else.6. Never test the depth of the water with both feet.
7. If you think nobody cares if you're alive, try missing a couple of car payments.8. If at first you don't succeed, skydiving is probably not for you.
9. Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day. Teach him how to fish, and he will sit in a boat and drink beer all day .10. If you lend someone $20 and never see that person again, it was probably a wise investment.11. If you tell the truth, you don't have to remember anything.12. Some days you're the bug; some days you're the windshield. 13. A closed mouth gathers no foot.
14. Everyone seems normal until you get to know them.15. Duct tape is like 'The Force.' It has a light side and a dark side, and it holds the universe together.16. There are two theories to arguing with women. Neither one works.17. Generally speaking, you aren't learning much when your lips are moving .18. Experience is something you don't get until just after you need it. 19. Never miss a good chance to shut up.20. Never, under any circumstances, take a sleeping pill and a laxative on the same night.
The Zen of Sarcasm
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REGULAR “T” EVENTS
Tuesday MG LuncheonsThe Minnesota MG T Register weekly
luncheons are held at the American Legion,6501 Portland Ave So in Richfield every
Tuesday at 11:15 am.Come one, come all!
East Ender’s Breakfast1st & 3rd Saturdays
Sail Away Café1321 St. Croix Trail, A,on, MNJust North of the junction of
County Road 18 and St. Croix Trail9:00 a.m.
Natter & NogginFirst Sunday of the month
3:00 - 5:00 p.m.at The Scoreboard5765 Sanibel Drive
Minnetonka
WEEKLY INTER-MARQUE EVENTS
InterMarque BreakfastSaturday mornings, 8:30Square Peg Restaurant,2021 E Hennepin Ave,
in the Hennepin Square Buildingbetween 35W and 280.
Missing from the Beer Tasting:
Wood salad fork and spoon from large salad bowl.
Call Jenni @ (612) 926-7140.
MG Gals LunchThe first Wednesday of each month, 11:30 a.m. The Great Wall Restaurant, 4515 France Ave S,
Minneapolis Please RSVP to Thea Trudgeon 612.869.5560
or Sheila Figenskau 952.935.7909
Fish & ChipsDate: Saturday, October 2Time: 2:00 p.m. - Car Show; 5:00 p.m. - DinnerPlace: 238 Glen Circle, River Falls, WI Coordinators: Tom & Barb Belongia (715-425-0189)
Tom and Barb Belongia will host their 7th Annual Fish n’ Chips Dinner on October 2nd. We’ll start at 2 p.m. with a British Glen Car Show with all MN MGT and MMGG members welcome. (Neighbors and other enthusiasts have been invited to see the cars.)
Dinner starts about 5 p.m. Please bring a dish to pass and your beverages. We’l l supply the Fish n’ Chips, condiments, and some beverages, as well as all the utensils and plates. Directions: If you are coming on I-94 East into Wisconsin, take Exit 2 / Carmichael Road. Turn right (south) and continue on Carmichael / County Road F for approximately 5 miles. Turn right onto Glenmont Road (County Road MM goes left at the same intersection into River Falls). **We’ll have this intersection marked with British Flag signs and arrows. Continue west on Glenmont Road for about ½ mile to the second right. Turn right onto Glen Lane.Proceed to the bottom of the hill and the stop sign at Glen Circle. Continue almost straight into our driveway.
If you miss the second right, DON’T PANIC, follow the ‘Y’ in the road to the right and then turn right onto Glen Circle. We’ll be the third house on the left.
If you’re coming into Wisconsin at Prescott, take a left as you come off the bridge. Proceed on Highway 10 up the hill and then left onto Highway 29 at the stop light. Continue north on Highway 29 to County Road F - left on F. You’ll travel about 10 miles to the intersection of Glenmont Road and County Road MM / Glenmont Road. Turn left onto Glenmont and follow the same directions from ** above.
We look forward to seeing everyone on the 2nd!
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Fall Color TourDate: Saturday, October 9Time: 9:30 a.m.Place: Doris Kemp Park, ChamplinCoordinators: Mickey & Lance Delfino
Yes! The tour you’ve all been waiting for – the great tour of the outer northwest suburbs. A tour that is guaranteed to live in the annals of MG lore! Bundle up in your little car or come in one of those big, warm cars but join us on October 9th (rain or shine).
We will meet at the Doris A. Kemp Park in Champlin (off of Hwy 169) at 9:30 a.m. We’ll have some warm coffee, cider and tea along with a bite to eat and then we’re off. Our first stop will be the Super America to gas up with non-oxygenated gas. Are you feeling the thrill yet??
Leaving there we will proceed on the tour along the Dayton River Road. We will travel through the towns of Dayton, Otsego and Elk River, then on to the countryside. After a brief pit stop at La Casa Delfino we will proceed on the lovely back roads through the Sherburne Wildlife Preserve and arrive in Santiago for lunch at Bailey Rays.
Please join us for one of the last MG hurrahs for 2010. RSVP at 763-263-6641 or e-mail to [email protected] so we can let the restaurant know how many to expect.
OctoberSat 2! Fish & Chips (Belongia)Sat 9! Fall Color Tour (Lance & Mickey Delfino)Sat 16! MMGG & MNMGTR MG80 Picnic & Drive (Brian McCullough)
NovemberSat 13 ! Business Meeting (Mark Honnigford)
DecemberSat 11 Holiday Party at City View
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Mystery Tour-2010Jerry and Linda ThorsonPhotos by Wayne Kivell
On Saturday, August 28th, the sun greeted a fearless band of MG owners and their passengers. A few of the group had never been on a mystery tour, and the seasoned veterans were speculating as to what might be in store for the tour this year. A brief group meeting was held, and at the end of the meeting the group was urged to follow Jerry and Linda. The group started for their cars, while Linda and Jerry started across the parking lot on foot. The group finally followed on foot and gathered at the base of the Highland Water Tower, which became our first stop. Yes, it was a Water Tower Tour!
The Twin Cities are the only metropolitan area in the U.S. with four early 20th Century European-style Water Towers: Highland Park, Prospect Park, Washburn Park and Kenwood are the four towers (see photos below). Their intended use as Water Towers have a very similar story, but the little known stories of the towers' designers or secondary uses gave them each a personality and character of their own, which the tour enjoyed learning about.
The after-tour lunch at Vescio's Cucina in St. Louis Park created a mini car show, with 16 MGs in the parking lot. The food and beverages were enjoyed by all. Next year's tour is already in the planning stages, so once the date is set, mark your calendar and join us for Mystery Tour 2011.
Photos that should have appeared last month: Steve Blomberg’s newly acquired TC receiving a lot of attention at the Beer Tasting event
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MG80 Celebration/BMC Fall Shop Open doorsDate: Saturday, October 16Time: 12:00 noon. - 5:00 p.m. Place: 6810 225th Ave NE • Linwood, MN Coordinator: Brian McCullough (651-400-0145)! Email: [email protected]
The McCullough's Invite All Our Friends To The BMC Fall Shop Open Doors.
Take a short trip North to Linwood for an outdoor fall time fire, food, pop, treats, coffee, hot apple cider, bench racing, ʻback thenʼ stories, stories of events attended by various members, and who knows what weʼll end up with!If you are daring and courageous, or just stubborn like us, bring your LBC. We will have a small self-driving and ʻlateʼ fall colour tour map with a few of our scenic areas around the side of town you most likely have not driven previously. Paved roads and low traffic as much as possible. Its always fun moving along with the leaves blowing to each side!
Forecast: Dress warmly. If youʼre used to driving your British Roadster in bitters of early spring or the crisp of late fall, then you can dress as you would normally!What to bring: Yourself plus one... or ten. If you have a short video, book or broken axle shaft to share or pass around, feel free to, but not required.Cost: None. Nada.
Directions:A beautiful drive approximately 45 minutes from downtown Twin Cities. Take 35W or 35E north to where they merge into I35 near Forest Lake--almost there! Take the Wyoming Exit 135 and head WEST (Co Rd 22). Go approximately 4.5 miles to Martin Lake Road and head north (right) 3.4 miles on your un-calibrated Jaeger or Smiths odometer.Approximately 1⁄2 mile down the road, turn left onto 225th Avenue which is the first left you can take at Martin Lake Picnic Area.We are the very last home in the cul-de-sac on the left hand side. You canʼt miss it, there are always a few classic LBCs sitting in one or both of our driveways!Donʼt want to take the freeway to get here? Not a problem--take the scenic and historic Hwy 61 North to Co Rd 22 (west from Elk River) then take County Rd 22 (Viking Blvd) east to Martin Lake Road.
This may set a record for procrastination. After 22 years from the purchase date, it was time to install side curtains on my ‘53 MGTD. To be honest, I thought they were already done and in the car, but alas, such was not the case. Now I know why I had that extra kit all those years! How often does the top go up anyway?
Side curtains on all the T series cars are affixed pretty much in the same manner. All take some time, so don’t wait too long when the drops start falling from the heavens. There are four side curtains, two rear affixed to the body tub, and two front affixed to the doors, each secured with by means of two brackets. The side curtains on a TD are stored in a small box compartment behind the seat, close to the petrol tank.
The rear curtain has a rear spade bracket that fits in a tub slot and a bracket that is held by a chrome winged nut. The front curtain mounts to the door, with the rear bracket being a 3/8th pin dropping into a chrome insert with a hole. The front bracket is held by another chrome winged nut.
The Moss Motors side curtain kit is very complete and very easy to assemble. It consists of the frames, canvas side curtains, polished stainless steel strips with dished ends, sliding bolts, nuts, rivets, and snap fasteners. Tools needed are a drill with 3/16th bit, safety razor blades, magic marker, flat table, and a socket wrench for the nuts. Also a hammer to adjust the frames if needed. (Most do).
First thing on the list is to sort the parts. The metal strips come in a variety of lengths, so take care in making sure the correct length is in the correct place. The pointed tips should not quite touch each other. There are 16 strips, with about 8 different lengths! Time: 10 minutes.
Second, mount the frames on the car. I had to drill out the chrome insert on one of the doors to get a proper fit with the side curtain pin. On another I had to grind the spade somewhat to get it to fit in the rear slot. The curtains are designed to tuck into the lip of the hood (top). Side curtains with a 1 to 2” gap at the top will not stop much weather. It may be necessary to bend the brackets somewhat to achieve
Side Curtains, cont. p. 13
Installing Side CurtainsLee Jacobson
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From the Off SideBy Win Gould, President, Vintage MG Car Club of Chicago
(Reprinted with permission from the Vintage Viewpoint)
While listening to my TC’s engine at the President’s Picnic, Greg Hoeft observed that I had a small leak between the exhaust manifold and the exhaust pipe. I figured this would be easy to fix. After all, I just needed to tighten three bolts. As soon as I got home, I set about fixing the problem, tightened the bolts as best I could, but still detected a leak.
Perhaps the gasket is shot I mused. Well that’s easy to fix. I called Moss and ordered a new gasket at $10.95 plus $8.95 shipping, $19.90 total. Two days later it arrived and I set about installing it. Now since I converted to VW steering, there is no way to separate the manifold and exhaust pipe except by unbolting the manifold from the engine. Of course, that’s a rather painful process with the carburetors, gas lines, and assorted control cables in the way. So it’s easier if you disconnect everything, but if you’re unsure of your automotive skills, as I am, you need to be careful not to mess up the carburetor adjustments. Especially since Don Gottlinger had just gotten my engine running perfectly. Oh yes, and the whole process is a lot easier if you jack the car up on stands.
The next step was accomplished without incident, except for breaking one of the tiny stop assemblies in the carburetor linkage. I ordered a new one, only $2.55, plus $8.95 shipping and handling. (Since the stop weighed an ounce at most, the shipping and handling cost seemed a bit excessive. I assume it’s Moss’s minimum.) When the parts arrived, I put the new exhaust gasket in place, bolted the manifold back in place, then remounted the carburetors and reconnected the gas lines. Just to make sure I hadn’t messed anything up in the process, I then reconnected the battery, turned the key, and pulled the starter pull. Damn! The starter cable was still disconnected from the starter and I pulled the cable out a good foot and a half. It’s old and frayed and despite my best efforts, I was unable to push it back into its housing. Time to order a new starter cable at $86.95, plus $15.95 shipping and handling. Until the new cable arrives, I can still start the car by pulling that starter switch with my finger. At least it still starts.
Now I can’t detect any exhaust leak, but perhaps that’s because of the loud whistling noise now coming from the general area of carburetors and manifold. I put in a call to Don Gottlinger, and explained the problem. Like a gentle father (although I’m older than he is) he
patiently asks me if I replaced the gasket between the manifold and the engine. Well, no. That needs to be done. Okay, another call to Moss and I end up ordering that gasket and some others for a total of $14.00 plus $10.24 shipping and handling. (The shipping and handling cost rose since the gaskets came from different warehouses). Of course now I need to take everything apart once again which I do while waiting for the new parts to arrive.
You know, now that everything is off, perhaps I should do something about the engine drain tap. It’s always had a small leak. Let’s take care of that while we have the chance. However, I need to drain the antifreeze first. That’s not easy since the exhaust pipe is in the way, but there’s no way I’m going to remove that! Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead. After capturing only about half the coolant in a container, I need to stop and clean the rest up off the floor of my garage. Now let’s see why that drain tap leaks. Oh great, the threads are shot. No problem. Call Moss again and order a new one. That’s $18.40 with washer, plus, of course, $8.95 for shipping and handling, but it can’t be delivered until next week.
The new starter cable arrives next, so I set about installing that. I soon realize that’s impossible without taking the instrument panel off, which can’t be done without undoing the entire dashboard. And then you can’t really get to it without taking the steering wheel off to enable tipping the dash down to work on it. Okay, that wasn’t too bad. Only an evening’s work. But you know, the new starter pull doesn’t quite match the other pulls.
A day passes. During that time, I muse about the non-original starter cable. Perhaps I can repair the original. I give it a try and succeed! Now to put it back in. No problem. I’m getting very good at steering wheel removal, dashboard unscrewing, and instrument panel unbolting. The new cable comes out, the old goes back in, the dash is reassembled, reattached, and the steering wheel put back on.
The new drain tap arrives. Now I’m making progress. I coat it with Permaseal and screw it in … tight. Whoops! Did I just strip the threads? Of course. Those soft brass threads can’t make it in what is obviously a messed up hole in the block. Okay, now I’m growing impatient! I
“From the Off Side,” cont. next page
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“From the Off Side,” cont. #om previous page pull out the $27.35 drain tap, toss it, and find a steel bolt that will fit the hole. I coat the bolt with more Permaseal, and wrench that sucker into the hole. That should solve the problem once and for all!
Now, back to reassembly. Put the new gaskets in place, bolt the exhaust, manifold, heat shield, and carburetors back in place. Fill the engine and radiator with new anti-freeze, ($12.83 with tax. I picked it up so no shipping and handling charge). Now try again. Guess what. The whistling sound persists. It has to be the heat shield. Close examination shows it to be slightly deformed near the intake holes.
Carburetors off again! Take off the heat shield and reassemble. Now circle the car three times with that
Voodoo chant I learned, kill two chickens, and pull the starter once more.
It starts! NO WHISTLE! Success at last! I leave the garage in triumph, a new man, fully confident in my newly-proven mechanical prowess.
So, as you can see, even though your automotive skills may be somewhat limited, you shouldn’t be afraid to tack le a s imple repa i r on your T- ty pe . With perseverance, common sense, $185.89, and about two weeks of work, you too can replace a $10.95 gasket!
But … now my TC sounds a little funny, like it’s not hitting on all four. And I just noticed a new spot of anti-freeze on the floor under the car.
14
Photos from Minnesota River Valley Tour
Side Curtains, cont #om p. 11this fit. Place the bracket in a vise and strike sharply with a hammer, check the fit and continue the hammering process until the fit is correct. Time: 20 minutes.
Third, Once the frames fit on the car, take one off, find the matching canvas cover, and lay the frame on the canvas, using the stitch marks to center the frame. Once centered, use a magic marker to mark the location of the holes, using the frame as a template. Time: 10 minutes per frame.
Fourth, drill all of the holes with a 3/16th drill bit. Place the bolts through the holes with the flat heads of the bolts on the exterior side of the canvas. Mount the frame using the bolts, securing lightly with the provided nuts. 10 minutes per frame.
Fifth, slide the polished strips in position. Tighten the nuts. Add the 2 piece rivets, no rivet gun needed as the three face side rivets are placed in the holes with the reverse side pins being secured with a hammer. Very fast and easy.
Sixth, now the hard part, exposing the window. With a scissors, carefully cut a line in the canvas to each of the four corners, or as necessary to allow the material to be folded over the polished strips. With a razor blade, use the strips as a guide to keep the razor blade steady and trim the canvas. Loose threads will occur, but this is original. On the reverse side, use the frame as a razor guide and trim the canvas. Time: 15 minutes per frame.
Install on the car and do the next frame. Once all four are done, admire your handiwork, remove and store in the frame compartment, and ignore for the next 20 years!
15
ClassifiedsFor Sale: Restored MG T heater $225.00; MG TD Hi & Lo tone horns $80.00 each; 9 post Voltage regulator $100.00; Near new original TD crankshaft & new matching bearings mains standard, rods at -.010 $1200.00; Overhauled late style TD-TF gearbox $1200.00; TD intake air cleaner manifold $200.00; TD- MGA turn signal relay$75.00; Many other MG T and MGA parts for sale. Gary Krukoski 763-494-4844 (9/10)
For Sale: 1950 MGTD. Right hand drive. Runner/driver. Call Mark Brandow at 612-306-0044. (4/10)
Wanted: Any spare T-type parts you do not need or want. Any quantity will be considered. Gary Krukoski 763-494-4844 (4/09)
Wanted to Buy: Very serious buyer for: Jaguar XK-XKE; MG "T" series; MGA; Triumph; TR-2-3-4-250; Mercedes 190-220-230-250-280 SL; All open cars; Porsche 356-911-914; Austin Healey; Riley; Alfa-Romeo; Singer. Entire collections possible. Any condition. Any location. Generous finder’s fees. I WILL PAY THE MOST. Steve’s British Connection, 630-553-9023, [email protected]. (4/09)
For Sale: We have three MGA and Magnette differentials for sale, still in their housings for anyone wanting to regear their ‘T’ series. One is a 4.3 and the other two are most likely 4.3 and 4.55 ratios from a ZB and ZA. The entire axles should also be available if need arises. We are converting to higher speed ratio in the Varitone. Contact Brian McCollough at 651-462-0145 anytime. (11/09)
For Sale: 1977 MGB, light blue with black top & plastic interior. OD. Approx. 127K assuming odometer has turned over only once. Purchased privately in 2002; no knowledge of former owners. Body: good condition with few scratches; small dent in trunk lid; passenger window frame unattached, & loose passenger side rearview mirror due to crack in sheet metal. Top in decent shape but difficult to put up due to disuse; over passenger seat top never used; car cover. Interior: cracks in dash, ripped driver's side upholstery, no automatic turn signal shut off. After market additions: wood steering wheel, CD player (w. two portable box speakers in back), wood MG gear shift handle. Mechanicals: car has been repaired as needed, either at Quality Coaches or Hawkins on Nicollet; approaches red zone temperature on hot days but has never overheated; starting when warm sometimes results in poor idling & backfiring; no problems when starting cold. Tires: good. Standard license plates. Drive: cool drive in the summer; will do 70 on the freeway. Price negotiable. Contact Steve Swanson at [email protected].
Motoring GoodiesNow is the time to get
your favorite MG ready for theSTOP and START season.
Tune, change the oil,get the brakes to work.
For your appointment, please callBob Figenskau at 952-935-7909.
The garage is open!
We Give A Hoot! MG horns, fuel pumps, and wipers restored. We can bring back
most any pre-1962 horn or wiper motor, or any SU fuel pump back to life. Mechanical only, or mechanical and
cosmetic restorations available. All work guaranteed.
Contact Lew Palmer16780 St. Mary’s Drive
St. Mary’s Point, MN 55043Phone: (651) 436-7401
dbraun99SU Carburetors work best when in Tip Top condition.
We will rebuild your carburetors paying special attentionto throttle shafts, butterflies, floats, dampers and jet assemblies.
Speedy turn-around, responsive communication, guaranteed work.H, HS and HIF carburetor services are offered.
For a quote please [email protected] or visit
www.dbraun99.com
Heated Auto Storage
7 monthsOctober 1, 2010 – April 30, 2011
for $420
DirectronicsCrystal MN 55429
Kevin McCarthy -- (612) 669-1366The garage is open!
The Minnesota MG T Register1003 Maple St
Northfield, MN 55057
First Class MailDated Material
TattlerThe
The Minnesota MG T Register: Membership Application FormName: ! Significant Other:Address:! Significant Other’s OccupationCity:State:! Zip:Home Phone:Work Phone:Fax Number:Email Address:Occupation:If you have a second address part of the year and would like your publications mailed there:That Address:City:! ! State:! ! ! Zip:Phone:You are there on the first of which months? From: ! ! ! Through:
MGs that you own:Year! Model!Chassis #! Engine #! License #! Color(s)! Condition
First time, first year membership in The Minnesota MG T Register is free, and $30 annually thereafter. Mail to Nancy Carlson, 32518 West St, Breezy Point MN 56472
If you would like a name tag, contact Bill McReaken at 952-890-0102 or [email protected]. Please specify the names to be engraved and whether you wish a pin, or magnetic back.
